What manner of creature wanted a barrier between itself and good, clean dirt? Not that the floor was dirt, but the principle remained, just the same.

I didn’t relax, though I knew the scare was still several minutes away. Once in a scare mindset, don’t back out. Another rule, just as good as the first.

When I heard the closet door creak, I slid out from under the bed. Bernice was there, as were the others. I swiveled my eyes about to make sure everyone was in place, then stepped

deliberately. The floorboard creaked, just as it should. We’d scouted the room earlier, while the youngling and its protectors were out.

The youngling rose it’s upper half from the bed and looked about. Just enough light trickled in for it to see us – thanks to Swik, outside. Its eyes opened wider, and it ran to the door, clutching at the latch until it swung open. It ran down, screaming as loud as its pet had earlier. We opened the window and slipped out, giddy with success. Swik would latch it after us.